The EU has been swift to respond to North Macedonia’s request for help evacuating 15 people with severe burns following a fire in a nightclub in Kocani that killed 59 people and injured 155. Several patients have been taken to Hungary by Luxembourg and Romania is transporting patients to Lithuania.
The Council added Al Azaim Foundation for Media Production to the list of persons, groups, undertakings and entities associated with ISIL(Da’esh) Al-Qaeda, which are subject to EU restrictive measures.
The European Investment Bank (EIB) will advise the Romanian municipality of Ploiești on green transport projects as part of a Europe-wide push to make urban life healthier for people and the environment. EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris and Ploiești Mayor Mihai Poliţeanu signed an agreement on advisory support today in the city, which is a major industrial hub 56 kilometres north of Bucharest.
The Ploiesti administration, which serves a metropolitan population of more than 266,000, is seeking to upgrade local transport infrastructure to keep pace with the area’s economic growth and cut emissions that cause global warming.
Under the accord with Ploiesti, EIB Advisory will deploy its own experts as well as external consultants to provide guidance on financial and project management of transport projects. Assistance in preparing the grant application under the European Union’s “Just Transition” Pillar 3 programme – Public Sector Loan Facility is also possible. The support is offered through the InvestEU Advisory Hub. Further support may be available at a later stage.
“We are very pleased to support Ploiesti in this transition toward climate neutrality,” said EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris. “This partnership underscores our commitment to climate action andsustainable urban development.”
Ploiești, the capital of Prahova County, has historically been a centre for the petroleum industry and serves as a hub for oil refining and petrochemicals. It is Romania’s ninth-largest municipality and its proximity to other industrial centres as well as to tourist destinations increases its potential to become part of a major transport and economic corridor.
“Our partnership with the EIB is important and promotes the development of our city.,” said Mihai Poliţeanu, mayor of Ploiesti. “We are considering investments that closely align with the EU’s social and environmental objectives, contribute to reducing carbon emissions and strengthen Romania’s commitments to sustainable urban development.”
The EIB provides technical and financial expertise to support the development of sustainable and bankable projects in various sectors. In Romania, EIB Advisory is assisting authorities and businesses in preparing infrastructure investments, improving project planning and enhancing access to funding through tailored services and capacity building.
Background information
EIB
The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, the EIB finances investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union and the capital markets union.
The EIB Group, which includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed almost €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.
All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60 % of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.
Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Around half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.
High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.
About the InvestEU Advisory Hub
The InvestEU programme provides the European Union with crucial long-term funding by leveraging substantial private and public funds in support of a sustainable recovery and growth. It helps mobilise private investments for the European Union’s policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the digital transition. InvestEU brings together under one roof the multitude of EU financial instruments, making funding for investment projects in Europe simpler, more efficient and more flexible. The InvestEU Fund is implemented through financial partners that invest against an EU budget guarantee worth €26.2 billion. That guarantee will back investment projects of the implementing partners, increase their risk-bearing capacity and thus mobilise at least €372 billion in additional investment. The InvestEU Advisory Hub is the central entry point for project promoters and intermediaries seeking advisory support and technical assistance related to centrally managed EU investment funds. Managed by the European Commission and financed by the EU budget, the InvestEU Advisory Hub connects project promoters and intermediaries with advisory partners, who work directly together to help projects reach the financing stage. The InvestEU Advisory Hub complements the InvestEU Fund by supporting the identification, preparation and development of investment projects across the European Union. Together with the InvestEU Portal – the EU’s online matchmaking tool – we aim to strengthen Europe’s investment and business environment.
In Romania, EIB Advisory supports public and private clients in developing and implementing projects. EIB Advisory provides financial and technical advice, market development and capacity building support in a wide range of sectors and in line with the EIB Group’s eight strategic priorities.
The Council renewed the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 September 2025.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, the Secretary-General praised Bangladesh’s progress and highlighted the role of the international community in supporting the country’s future.
“I am particularly pleased to be in Bangladesh at this important moment in your national journey,” Mr. Guterres said, acknowledging the leadership of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus and the hopes of the Bangladeshi people for greater democracy, justice and prosperity.
Bangladesh has been undergoing a period of transition following the resignation and departure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August after weeks of student-led protests. More than 300 people, including many children, were reportedly killed and over 20,000 injured in a brutal crackdown by security forces.
Ms. Hasina had been in power since January 2009, having previously served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 2001.
“This is a pivotal moment for Bangladesh and the international community must play its part in supporting your efforts towards a just, inclusive and prosperous future,” Mr. Guterres said.
He added that the country and its people can count on the UN as a “steadfast partner”, working alongside them to help build a sustainable and equitable future for all.
“As Bangladesh undergoes important reforms and transitions, I want to assure you that the UN stands ready to assist in fostering peace, national dialogue, trust and healing,” he said.
The Secretary-General’s visit, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, was an opportunity to express solidarity with both the Bangladeshi people and the Rohingya refugees who have found shelter in the country.
Bangladesh is hosting over one million Rohingya refugees who fled violence in neighbouring Myanmar. The largest exodus followed brutal attacks by Myanmar security forces in 2017, a series of events that the then UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein described as “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.”
On Friday, Mr. Guterres visited the refugee camps in southern Cox’s Bazar, meeting with Rohingya refugees and participating in an Iftar meal with them and members of the host community in the evening.
“I had an extremely moving visit to Cox’s Bazar yesterday. Ramadan reminds us of the universal values that connect humanity: compassion, empathy and generosity. Bangladesh is a living symbol of these values through your commitment to peace, development and humanitarian relief,” he said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres meets with Bangladeshi Foreign Adviser, Touhid Hossain, in Dhaka.
Mr. Guterres highlighted Bangladesh’s support to the United Nations and its mission, particularly in peacekeeping.
Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, with thousands of soldiers serving in some of the world’s most dangerous environments.
“I want to pay tribute to the sacrifices and dedication of Bangladeshi peacekeepers,” he said.
During his visit, the Secretary-General also met with top officials including Chief Adviser Yunus; Foreign Adviser Md. Towhid Hossain; and Khalilur Rahman, High Representative on Rohingya Issues. He also met with Bangladeshi youth representatives and members of the civil society.
While acknowledging Bangladesh’s accomplishments, the UN chief also stressed the urgency of continued support for the Rohingya refugees.
“By offering Rohingya refugees sanctuary, Bangladesh has demonstrated solidarity and human dignity, often at significant social, environmental and economic cost,” he said.
However, the situation remains dire, with significant cuts in international funding for humanitarian aid threatening to worsen the crisis.
Mr. Guterres warned the funding cuts could result in severe food aid shortages, a situation he described as “an unmitigated disaster”.
“People would suffer, and people would die,” he warned.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres joins Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, for Iftar.
Alongside greater international support to sustain critical aid efforts, the Secretary-General underscored the need to finding a lasting solution to the Rohingya crisis, in particular the safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable return to Myanmar.
However, the situation there continues to deteriorate.
“The escalation of violence and human rights violations across Myanmar, including in Rakhine state, are causing civilian casualties and driving displacement internally and across borders,” Mr. Guterres said.
He urged all parties in Myanmar to prioritise civilian protection, avoid further incitement of violence and pave the way for democracy to take root, creating conditions for the dignified return of the Rohingya.
A Ministerial Partnership Dialogue between the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the European Union (EU) was successfully held on 15 March 2025, in Harare, Republic of Zimbabwe, where the two parties engaged on issues of mutual interest, including peace and security, human and sustainable development, climate change, environment, trade and investment.
Honourable Prof. Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Top of Form and current Chairperson of the SADC Council of Ministers co-chaired the Dialogue with the Honourable Radosław Sikorski, Minister of Foreign Affairs for the Republic of Poland, representing the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.
The Dialogue took place in a spirit of partnership, a collaborative and cooperative atmosphere, and served as a platform to reinforce the relations between SADC and the EU and promote cooperation in peace and security, trade and policies aimed at sustainable economic growth and economic reforms in the SADC region.
The Dialogue deliberated on global, continental and regional issues impacting on the peace and security situation of the region and beyond, as well as on development and cooperation. It took stock of the progress in the implementation of the SADC-EU Cooperation and the 2021-2027 Multiannual Indicative Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MIP SSA).
The two parties also celebrated their partnership and the successful implementation of cooperation and financing agreements supporting SADC regional programmes.
SADC was represented by its “Double Troika” Member States the Republic of Zimbabwe (Chair), the Republic of Angola (former Chair) and the Republic of Madagascar (incoming Chair), as well as the three countries leading the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs: the Republic of Malawi, the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Zambia, and by the SADC Secretariat The EU was represented by Minister Radosław Sikorski, high-level officials from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission, the Government of Poland, as well as by the EU Ambassadors to Botswana and SADC, and to Zimbabwe. The Ministerial Dialogue was preceded by the SADC and EU Senior Officials’ Dialogue on 14 March 2025.
The SADC-EU Political Dialogue was launched at the SADC-EU Ministerial Conference in Berlin, Germany, in September 1994, wherein both parties reaffirmed their determination to reinforce their relationship and to establish a comprehensive dialogue.
The Dialogue was convened in line with a resolution of the SADC-EU Ministerial Dialogue held in March 2013 in Maputo, Mozambique, wherein both parties agreed that the Senior Officials’ Meeting is to be convened annually whilst the Ministerial Political Dialogue is to be held once every two years, with the hosting role alternating between the EU and SADC regions.
At the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND68) in Vienna, a crucial side event titled Supporting Drug Education and Prevention Initiatives brought together experts, policymakers, and former users to discuss the dangers of drug use and the importance of prevention. The event was organized by Fundacion para la Mejora de la Vida la Cultura y la Sociedad (Foundation for the Improvement of Life Culture and Society), an international foundation covering many societal issues with an educational and learning approach, and an important program on drug prevention; it was co-organized with the support of the specialized network of the Foundation for a Drug Free Europe, which counts with over 100 grassroots groups in Europe that do one on one prevention with The Truth About Drugs campaign.
This side event underscored the urgent need for coordinated global action to curb the rising tide of drug abuse, which continues to devastate communities worldwide.
Julie Delvaux, UNODC representative for the ECOSOC recognized Fundacion Mejora, set the tone for the session, emphasizing the need for early intervention: “The earlier we act, the more lives we can save, and the more we can reduce the harm being created by drugs.” She stressed that drug use is not merely a health issue but a social crisis affecting multiple sectors, including crime rates, economic stability, and mental health. With millions of people affected globally, the challenge is immense, and prevention emerges as the most effective long-term solution.
The event featured a range of speakers, from scientists to former drug users, all advocating for strong educational tactics in the field of education to increase the awareness of the dangers of drugs and comprehensive prevention efforts. Their insights painted a stark picture of the drug problem, reinforcing that public health policies should focus on preventing first use, rather than managing addiction after it has already taken hold.
Robert Galibert, President of the Foundation for a Drug-Free Europe (FDFE) and an expert in biochemistry, gave a scientific breakdown of synthetic cannabinoids, a growing threat in drug markets worldwide. His presentation delved into the biochemical mechanisms through which these substances interact with the human body, explaining how they are far more potent than natural cannabis and pose significant risks to both mental and physical health.
“These substances are far more potent and dangerous than natural cannabis,” Galibert warned. He elaborated on how synthetic cannabinoids, initially developed for medical research, were hijacked by illicit manufacturers seeking to exploit legal loopholes. These unregulated substances have resulted in severe health complications, including heart problems, severe vomiting, hallucinations, and in some cases, fatal overdoses.
He explained how synthetic cannabinoids disrupt the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, memory, and overall physiological balance. Similarly to phyto-cannabinoids (found in cannabis), these synthetic substitutes bind to cannabinoid receptors, but activate them much more violently, resulting in extreme and unpredictable effects.
He pointed out the fat solubility of cannabis, which allows it to accumulate in the body and cause prolonged impairment. “The elimination of THC takes weeks, meaning a user is under the influence long after consumption,” he said. Comparing it to alcohol, he added, “Alcohol is eliminated in 24 hours, but THC (like phyto- or synthetic-cannabinoids) remains in adipose tissue for weeks, making its effects long-lasting and underestimated.” This insight is particularly crucial in the debate surrounding cannabis legalization, as it challenges the misconception that marijuana use is harmless or easily manageable.
Perhaps the most moving moment of the event came from Stephanie, a former drug user from Switzerland. Speaking in French, she detailed her descent into addiction, which started with cannabis and quickly escalated to LSD, cocaine, heroin, and methadone. Her candid account exposed the progressive nature of drug addiction, challenging the notion that cannabis use can remain recreational without leading to further substance abuse.
She described how peer pressure led her to experiment: “At first, I didn’t want to be part of the group. But as time passed, I felt isolated. So, I gave in.” Like many young people, she was drawn in by the social aspects of drug use, not realizing the long-term consequences. Her story is a stark reminder that drug addiction often starts with social normalization—what seems like a harmless decision can spiral into a devastating dependency.
Her turning point came when she found herself “in a place without money, without a home, and with a lot of pain”, destitute, and suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms. “I hit rock bottom. That’s when I knew I had to change,” she revealed. After enough attempts at rehabilitation, she finally succeeded in overcoming addiction and now, after recovering control over her life and building a company that gives work to some 30 people, she has made it her mission to help others avoid the same fate.
Her story was a powerful testament to the necessity of prevention and education. She emphasized that had she been properly educated about the dangers of drugs in her early teens, she might have avoided the path she took. She urged policymakers to implement early education programs in schools, providing children with the knowledge and resilience to resist peer pressure.
Dr. Francis Nde, medical advisor to the Council of the European Union, focused on the health consequences of cannabis use. He cited studies linking cannabis consumption to testicular cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental disorders like schizophrenia. “The effects of cannabis are not just short-term; they are passed down through generations,” he emphasized, referring to recent studies on epigenetic effects. He called on governments to take these scientific findings into account when considering cannabis legalization, arguing that public health should take precedence over economic incentives or political pressures.
A tense discussion emerged when a psychologist from Poland, questioned whether alcohol should be considered the primary gateway drug instead of cannabis. Galibert responded with scientific data, reinforcing that while alcohol is a risk factor, cannabis is a stronger predictor of progression to harder drugs due to its persistent impact on the brain. He detailed how THC alters brain chemistry, making individuals more susceptible to seeking stronger substances to achieve similar effects.
Another controversial topic was Ukraine’s potential legalization of medical cannabis. Dr. Olena Shcherbakova, a senior researcher from Ukraine’s National Academy of Medical Sciences, presented the findings of her research with Dr Heorhii Danylenko and warned against legalization efforts: “We understand the risks and are actively working to prevent legalization. But we face strong lobbying efforts.” Her remarks underscored the geopolitical and policy challenges surrounding cannabis regulation. The debate highlighted the global divide in drug policy, where some nations push for legalization while others fight to uphold strict regulations to protect public health.
As the session wrapped up, Delvaux reiterated the key message: Prevention through education, early intervention, and international cooperation is crucial in the fight against drug abuse. She called for greater investment in public awareness campaigns, school-based prevention programs, and cross-border collaboration to tackle the evolving drug crisis.
Stephanie’s story, Galibert’s scientific analysis, Dr. Nde’s medical expertise, Dr Shcherbakova and Dr Danylenko, all pointed to the urgent need for stricter policies and widespread awareness campaigns. The speakers warned that legalization efforts, particularly for cannabis, pose a significant risk to public health and should be countered with robust prevention strategies.The event at CND68 made it clear: The fight against drug abuse is far from over. But with education, strong policies, and international collaboration, progress can be made in protecting the most vulnerable—especially the youth—from the devastating consequences of drug addiction.
There is also a shortage of fuel, which is affecting the movement of vehicles across Gaza and slowing down first responders, Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular news briefing in New York.
“The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) notes that oxygen supplies and electricity generators are also critically needed to maintain life-saving operations at hospitals in Gaza,” he said.
“At least two dozen additional generators are needed for health centres, as the ones currently in use need maintenance and spare parts,” he added.
Within the enclave, the World Food Programme (WFP) has food stocks sufficient to support active kitchens and bakeries for up to one month, as well as ready-to-eat food parcels to support 550,000 people for two weeks, Mr. Dujarric said.
To stretch supplies, the agency is reducing the quantity of food parcels provided to families – a measure it had already implemented before the ceasefire, he added.
A total of 25 bakeries are supported by the agency, but on 8 March, six of these bakeries were forced to close due to a shortage of cooking gas.
The closure of border crossings has also triggered a sharp rise in food prices, with costs for staples such as flour and sugar rising, further limiting access.
Meanwhile, the situation in the West Bank continues to deteriorate.
OCHA has recorded a surge in settler violence in parts of the West Bank, “causing casualties, property damage and placing communities at high risk of displacement,” reported Mr. Dujarric.
The Office also noted a sharp increase in the demolition of Palestinian-owned structures in the West Bank over the past week and a half, with the number of structures demolished during the first 10 days of Ramadan this year having already exceeded the total for all of Ramadan in 2024.
Since Monday, operations in Jenin city also intensified, with more than 500 people displaced from three neighbourhoods in the eastern part of the city, he added.
WFP is supporting over 190,000 people with monthly cash vouchers and has provided one-off assistance to thousands of those most in need.
However, the agency requires $265 million in funding over the next six months to sustain operations that assist 1.4 million people in Gaza and the West Bank.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA), the EU’s financial markets regulator and supervisor, has published a statement on the treatment of settlement fails with respect to the Central Securities Depositories Regulation (CSDR) penalty mechanism, following the major incident that affected TARGET Services (T2S and T2) last month.
Concretely, ESMA clarifies in this statement that National Competent Authorities (NCAs) do not expect CSDs to apply cash penalties in relation to settlement fails for the days of 27 and 28 of February 2025.
A major incident caused by a failure of the infrastructure component adversely affected T2S and T2 on 27 of February 2025 causing that settlement instructions, payment, ancillary system instructions or liquidity transfers between TARGET Services could not be processed for several hours.
As specified in an existing CSDR Q&A, cash penalties should not be applied in situations where settlement cannot be performed for reasons that are independent from the involved participants.
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